Slaughter-Backed Gun Safety Bill Passes General Assembly

CHICAGO –To strengthen Illinois’ commitment to keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported legislation that will modernize the state’s Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) system. House Bill 562 passed both chambers of the General Assembly earlier this month.

“We need to do more to protect our communities from the violence that occurs when people get their hands on guns they should not have,” said Slaughter. “Although making improvements to the FOID system is a step in the right direction for gun safety, there is more that we must do.”

The Slaughter-backed House Bill 562 modernizes gun laws in Illinois by introducing automatic renewals for FOID card holders who voluntarily submit their fingerprints, requiring a background check on all private gun sales, and creating a streamlined database through which sellers can easily identify individuals prohibited from owning firearms. The legislation also enhances the ability of the Illinois State Police to process FOID and concealed carry license applications and revocations, track firearms with a new stolen gun database, and provide training to officers to keep guns away from stalkers and other high-risk individuals.

“As a legislator, I firmly believe in passing laws that help protect members of our community and keep safe the men and women who call these streets home,” said Slaughter. “The time is now to stand up to gun violence and do what’s necessary to protect the most vulnerable among us.”